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More views on VIA bomb plot

Sat., April 27, 2013

Re: We have no idea how he got into this, April 24

We have no idea how he got into this, April 24

Some Muslim community leaders are unwilling to face the issue of Islamic extremism head on, and it is quite clear that some imams, while professing “the purity of Islam as non-violent” are quite happy to see Muslim cut-outs taking violent action against the “infidels in corrupt Western culture.”

The truth is that there is a bright red ribbon permanently woven into the pure white fabric that is Islam, and that clearly seen line can be exploited by certain religious leaders to “spin” the teachings of the Qur’an into an extremely violent, “supreme reward for death,” type of message. And it is this message that clearly resonates with some dispossessed young devout Muslim men who feel impotent against the over-powering cultural influence (and military might) of the West and who, following instruction, become quite willing to use “the slaughter of innocents” to appease the blood lust fanned by the “greater power” as instilled by the indoctrinators of such religiously motivated violence.

An example of madrasa-taught material: “All true knowledge comes from the Qur’an; all else is makrooh (disliked). Therefore, and fundamentally, studying both Arabic and the Qur’an is important for our success in this life and in the hereafter. What better language than the one with which Allah spoke to mankind, and what better speech is there than the speech of Allah?”

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Accordingly, adopting the sunnah is taught by the indoctrinators, with their particular version of the sunnah, based on their extremist, red-ribbon interpretation of the Qur’an and hadith, being endlessly drilled into the carefully-selected recruit.

A perfect example of this is the Canadian train bomber planner, who recently said in court: “First of all, my comment is the following, because all of those conclusions [the criminal charges against him] are based on the Criminal Code, and [we all] know that this criminal code is not [a] holy book; it is just a written set of creations, and the creations, they’re not perfect, because only the creator is perfect, so we cannot rely on the conclusions taken out from these imperfect judgements.”

In other words, the only law that he recognizes is Shariah, the moral code and religious law of Islam, as opposed to the human interpretation of the laws (fiqh).

So, when living in a multi-cultural society such as Canada, instead of just kicking violent extremists out of their mosques, Muslim leaders should both report them to police and do everything in their power when preaching to cut the red ribbon of Islamic violence.

R.T. Garvin, Toronto

The RCMP had tools enough, Editorial April 23

A terrorist from a religious minority group attempts to blow up Parliament. His minority group is vilified in the press. Sounds familiar? The terrorist was Guy Fawkes, whose Gunpowder Plot failed famously in 1605, and the religious minority group was the English Catholics.

Despite ongoing fears of a “Popish Plot” in England, Parliament passed one of the most important acts of democracy and freedom in the 17th century: the writ of Habeas Corpus. That was 1679.

Today in 2013 the Conservative government would pass a terror law that would make it legal to be held for three days on suspicion of terrorism with no charge being laid. Which is the more reasoned and democratic response?

Canadians should be concerned about basic democratic freedoms being threatened with this terror bill.

Talia Zajac, Toronto

As an Iranian Canadian journalist, I am asking Public Safety Minister Vic Toews to provide our community with more information on the VIA Rail case suspects. Because the RCMP has named Iran publicly in mainstream media, this negative publicity will have a negative impact on our community at large.

Many Canadians only hear the name Iran while they cannot distinguish between the Iranian Canadian community and the government of Iran; therefore, the bad publicity will hurt the reputation of the law-abiding Iranian Canadian community include the fellow Iranian Canadian Muslims.

We support the Canadian authorities’ efforts for the safety of Canadians. But this incident is not the first time the RCMP and other forces have named the Iranian community without informing our community.

Saeed Soltanpour, Richmond Hill

How about we all step back and take a deep breath on this new “terrorist threat”. On the heels of the Boston bombing, which has already revealed glaring evidence of FBI lies, complicity, and distortion, that is if one hasn’t already bought into the official story from the mainstream media.

How convenient that the two “terrorists” who were planning to bomb a VIA Rail train had connections to Iran, that “evil” country who the U.S. would love to bomb into oblivion because they are supposedly close to having a nuclear device of their own.

In the unlikely event that Iran was close to having a nuclear bomb, does anyone seriously believe they are stupid enough to use it against Israel or the United States? But I digress.

The U.S. is looking for support in their campaign against Iran and this supposed “terrorist threat” from that country provides the perfect fodder for anyone who is gullible enough to believe it. Oh, it also provides a rationale for our own federal government to bring back all kinds of draconian laws that were put into effect after 9/11, the ultimate false flag event.

Rick Tufts, Toronto

Thanks for reporting that the timing of the alleged new terror plot coincides with the scheduled debate on the Harper government’s new terror legislation. Your important editorial should have noted, however, that it is merely alleged that two Canadians took part in the Algeria gas plant siege. The Harper government’s say-so is not the same as conviction in a court of law.

Karin Brothers, Toronto

It is sickening to see pictures of the suspected Boston Marathon bombers all over the TV and the Star. Let’s remember the victims, not the people who are suspected of killing them. If a picture is required to catch them, make it as small as possible and not so frequent. Once they have been caught or killed, enough is enough. No more pictures please.

Shawn Michajluk, Toronto

Trainspotter, train buff, foamer, railfan. These are but a few of the terms used to describe the colourful mosaic of individuals who like trains. Apart from their shared passion for railways, there is one thing that unites all of them: they are not terrorists.

I can speak for all enthusiasts when I say that I was shocked to hear about the foiled plot to destroy a Toronto-New York passenger train. I was equally disturbed to hear many media outlets around the world latch on to one point from the RCMP’s press conference: the two suspects were suspicious because they “watched trains and railways in the greater Toronto area.”

Railfans watch trains all across Canada and provide extra security by observing their surroundings. Both U.S. and U.K. railways have recognized this benefit. It is time Canadian railways did the same. Real railfans are an asset, not a threat.

Thomas Blampied, Whitby

France warned the FBI six months prior to 9/11 of an imminent attack on U.S. soil, just as Russia warned the FBI about connections the older Boston bomber had.

The FBI’s selective blindness to reality is the real bane on the ability of the U.S. to properly protect it’s citizens. That and on going U.S. foreign policy.

Richard Kadziewicz, Scarborough

Despite the horrific tragedy that is the Boston bombings, I feel that the issue of public concern and press coverage regarding the bombings in comparison to violence abroad is one which must be broached.

While global newspapers have had images of the bombings plastered upon their front pages for the past week, the Syrian airstrike resulting in the deaths of at least 25 people, including children, has earned itself a tiny column lost in the middle of the stack. Jet bombings upon a village in Hadad, killing 16 people, has gone virtually unnoticed.

There was no public outcry, no open distress for the 9 children slaughtered in the Damascus airstrike. In fact, my Twitter feed expressed more concern for the condition of college basketballer Kevin Ware’s knee than any of the men, women, and children killed or maimed in the slums of Syria.

Although a certain degree of leniency may be allowed for the obvious shock of such violence in the heart of America, there should be no such thing as a subjective view upon the loss of a human life.

Nicole Fitzgerald, Mississauga

These arrests have sparked issues concerning the Muslim community, which has been under negative ideology proposed by the media. Islam is a religion of peace and therefore should not be associated with the actions of these terrorist individuals.

The Muslim community should be given opportunity to subjectively voice their opinion on such issues. Those Muslims who reject the actions of terrorist attacks should be at the forefront of mass media production to represent the large Muslim community.

The action of one does not simply represent the actions of all. As quoted several times “terrorism has no religion.”

Safiyah Safeek , Scarborough

Chiheb Esseghaier and Raed Jaser, whose alleged plot to attack a Via Rail passenger train and presumably kill innocent people, made world news and are now in custody. Should we feel any safer? I don’t think so, because the mindset of extremists like Esseghaier and Jaser, both of whom were welcomed into Canada, is developed long before they reach this country, nurtured by religious teachers who recognize no authority but the Qur’an.

Who will ever be safe from these fanatics and their bloodlust as long as those same teachers are allowed to incite murder and destruction freely in Canadian mosques?

Non-Muslim Canadians tend to shy away from interfering, hoping that our values alone will be enough to “convert” these violent Islamicists to more peaceful, democratic means. That the information leading to the arrest of these two men may have come from inside the Muslim community is not enough; until that same, peaceful, loving community speaks up loudly, publicly and often to expose terrorism for what it is, and begins exhorting the faithful to abandon violence and bloodshed, we will always be one headline away from the next act of treachery and treason.

Tom Philp, Peterborough

As a high school student I feel that because of the terrorist attack that had recently occurred in Boston, Muslims are being portrayed in the wrong way. Islam is a religion of peace. Some people such as the suspects of the Boston bombing do not only perceive Islam in the wrong way, but because of one man’s transgression, a whole faith is being accused.

Why is it that our society is prone to believe that after every crime that happens Muslims are the first people they point fingers at? I don’t believe that charges should be pressed on the suspect until further investigation is done and legitimate evidence is found.

Even though this terrorist act was done and caused severe damage and pain to many lives, no one has considered as to why it has happened.

Aman Khan, Toronto

As a Canadian Muslim, I strongly believe that if one does an evil action, such as the terror plot to derail a VIA rail train, they should be punished equally, despite their religion, ethnicity, or race.

It is frightening and surprising to know that there was someone within our community who will even think to do such a disgusting action; someone you pray with and possibly call your brother. Today, I think, what has the world come to?

It was a Muslim imam that notified the RCMP about this terrorist plot. As a Canadian, first and foremost, the safety and security of the people of my country is a priority. I am quite relieved that the two suspects were caught; it gives me and many others a sense of security.

Islam is a religion of peace and it’s quite unfortunate that people that carry the status of a ‘’Muslim’’ would plan an act otherwise.

Wiam Abdulla, Toronto

A “happy” coincidence?

On April 22 we were given two pieces of information: the RCMP and CSIS had allegedly thwarted a plot to derail a VIA train and Parliament was discussing the re-instatement of the anti-terrorist legislation that guarantees the further loss of civil rights in our society.

I personally find both of these items disturbing. It is well documented how governments have manipulated fear (under the disguise of increased security and safety) with the intent of controlling their citizenry.

The National Security Doctrine, under which we have been openly living since the 11th of September 2001 is a pervasive, destructive ideology that undermines the very essence of human nature. It muzzles public discourse and allows the state to decide who appears to be against the system. Arrests can be made (and are made) on the perception of being a threat to the state. It gives impunity to the so-called security forces.

Latin America has been a prime example of the workings of this ideology. In the mid sixties there was a coup d’etat in Brazil (supported by the U.S. Government) and the country became the beachhead to “stop” the expansion of – at the time – Communism. No root analysis of poverty and oppression: just repression. The Latin American military and the Police got trained on the National Security Doctrine elements in Brazil and the United States. Then, many of the countries in the sub-continent became military governments and those that did not were puppets of U.S. policy in Latin America. The rest is all very well-documented.

Behind this movement was the National Security Doctrine. Many of us lived the doings of this. I remember in Chile, for a number of years after the coup that brought Pinochet and his other 3 amigos to power, the media would announce with big fanfare that guns and a group of terrorists (Yes. George W. Bush did NOT invent the word terrorist!) had been discovered and captured and that there had been a shoot out. Symptomatically, the day after the announcement from the media there would economic measures implemented that pushed prices of basic foods up, or that there would be further restrictions on freedoms.

It is almost uncanny to see what is happening to us here today. The scariest part of it is that even the defense lawyer for the fellow captured in Toronto was insinuating how “peculiar” this coincidence had been worked out.

Then, by the end of the day on the 23rd (yesterday), there was “mounting evidence” that these two individuals were close to being the devil. Who needs the courts anymore?

What disturbs me most is the fact that we, as a citizenry, swallow these things like they were all truths. Are we so scared that we refuse to have a critical mind about anything anymore? Where are the media to bring some common sense into the discussion? Are the media also scared that they would be subject to reprisals if they openly challenge the information available? What happened to our democratic values? Have we become puppets of the U.S. state and bow to whatever comes out of the White House? Are we in the middle of another Crusade? It scares me to think these things because it seems that the book 1984 was NOT about Communism, but it was about the control the state has on its citizenry.

And I think about what Martin Niemöller wrote at the time of the 2nd World War:

First they came for the communists,

and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a communist.

Then they came for the socialists,

and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,

and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,

and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Jew.

Then they came for the Catholics,

and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Catholic.

Then they came for me,

and there was no one left to speak for me.

I rest my case!

Can you fathom the idea of “protecting” thousands of kilometers of rail tracks? Can you fathom the idea of “protecting” millions of people in cities so they would not be subject to a terrorist act? Are we really “protecting” the thousands of kilometres of borders with the United States? Let us be real here!

I personally find disturbing that there are people around the world (including Canada) that are prepared to kill others. I am against all that, but I am also against the quickness to label individuals for the sake of political gain and the promotion of fear.

Carlos F. Sebastian, Schomberg

The dangers of ignorance become clearer by the day. There’s not an act of terrorism that is reported without being associated with Islam. There’s nothing “devout” about plotting to attack a train. Associating acts of violence to Islam is a huge disservice to the peaceful majority of Muslims who live as ordinary citizens. I would appreciate if the Star refrained from turning every terrorist attack into a fearfest against Islam.

Maria Iqbal, Brampton

World religions teach to live harmoniously with the entire mankind. Anyone planning to commit atrocities like causing an explosion on VIA Rail is perpetrating atrocities against humanity. The accused may claim to be Muslims but in Qur’an, it is clearly mentioned “Whosoever killed a person…it shall be as if he had killed all mankind.” After reading this verse, extremists can no longer claim this deed is done in name of Islam.

Leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated, “Islam is a religion of love and peace, the very meaning of which signifies peace and security and removal of pain.” Islam is a religion that teaches to pay dues of God and dues of mankind, not causing harm to one another.

His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued, “Holy Prophet taught not to hurt the innocent, children, women and elderly even during battle and Qur’an specifically mentions safeguarding people of other religions.” Merely claiming to love Holy Prophet is not sufficient when you fail to obey his sayings.

Muslims in countries such as Syria are responsible for killing one another and their extremist ways have trickled to the West. A small percentage of Muslims are provoking backlash against entire Muslim population.

As an Ahmadi Muslim, I strongly condemn anyone who tries to cause havoc in my homeland of Canada. I pray God keeps this country and indeed the entire world safe so peace can ultimately prevail.

Luqman Ahmad, Mississauga

Since Rosie DiManno has always been one of my favourite columnists, I am surprised and saddened to read her article, which appears to find that two people arrested in Canada as terrorists are guilty. We believe that people are innocent until proven guilty. Arrest means the police feel that they have enough evidence for an arrest and does not mean guilty. If the police have sufficient evidence that proves they are right, then a court will decide that. If and when it does, I hope they jail the guilty for life, then revoke their citizenship and kick them out of the country when they’ve served the time.

Jim Latimer, Wasaga Beach

I read with interest Rosie’s column on the two men arrested for allegedly plotting terror attacks in Canada as well as the Washington Post article on the Boston Marathon bombers. Both are very thorough and informative pieces.

But what really surprised me is that neither column says anything at all about the motivation of the bombers. Why did they want to do this? I would have thought that this would have been one of the first questions to be asked.

And even if the authorities have not released that information, for whatever reason,we can still speculate about it can’t we? I mean it is somewhat important,is it not? Could it be that the answer is too incendiary,too explosive,too unpleasant, too politically incorrect? Could it be that the bombers were thinking about the 500 hundred thousand Iraqi children who,according to UNESCO report,died of starvation and lack of medicines because of sanctions imposed on Iraq in the nineties? Could they have been thinking about the hundreds of thousands of Afghanis and Iraqis who were forced for many years to endure the hardships and privations of wars that were imposed on them by foreign powers? Wars in which hundreds of thousands of men, women and children were injured or maimed or just became collateral damage. Could they have thinking about Afghanistan and Iraq being in bigger mess now than they were before the invasions? Or,and here is a real taboo,could they have been thinking about the plight of the Palestinians?

Let me make it clear that I don’t approve of any terror act anywhere for any reason. But if we are going to attempt to stop these acts in the future we have to have the courage to discuss the motivations of these people. It does not mean that we have to agree with them or bend to their demands. And it may still turn out that regardless of what we do,we will not be able to stop more attacks. But to completely censor out the motivations of these people from public discourse is wrong. It smacks of cowardice, lack of integrity and political expedience. I believe that we are better and stronger than that.

Michael Poliacik, Toronto

Two men have been charged with conspiracy to carry out a terrorist attack on a Via passenger train in the Greater Toronto Area. According to sources, these men were conspiring to murder persons at the direction of, or in association with a terrorist group. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have accused the two men of conspiring to commit an “Al Qaeda-supported” attack.

Terrorists and those supporting them have no place in any society. In fact, Islam specifically preaches love and respect towards all, especially non-Muslims. Killing thousands of innocent people in the name of Islam is the greatest disservice. Islam does not stand for terrorism, does not condone terrorism and does not preach violence.

Waris Shere, Winnipeg

Trust Trudeau, not Harper, on terrorism, April 22

I am writing in response to Heather Mallick’s partisan column supporting Justin Trudeau’s reaction to the recent terrorist attack in Boston. Trudeau expressed sympathy for the terrorists and said it is North American society that is really at fault. Stephen Harper disagrees. He condemns the mind-boggling cruelty of terrorism and wants to hunt down and punish any terrorists.

Mallick ignorantly twists this in her arrogant Liberal manner by referring to Harper and conservatives as ‘Punishers’. She continues her vicious attack by making broad and ignorant generalizations about conservatives. She contends that all conservatives are hostile to science, art, history, foreign cultures etc… No statement could be more stupid and partisan. The reality is that Mallick has never had one original, creative idea in her life, for her, the Liberal party line dictates every stupid thought that she puts on paper. She contends that every conservative has an ‘Inner Cheney’ and are rarely calm. As if Mallick and your paper have every been calm when it comes to anything conservative, in particular Toronto mayor, Rob Ford. You have even called him a blimp on your front page just like a stupid, mean-spirited school yard bully. The Toronto Star’s inner Cheney is both spiteful and hateful! Mallick and Trudeau are mystified by terrorists. By the way, this is the same Justin Trudeau who recently declared that honour killings are not barbaric. I contend that terrorists are cruel, blood thirsty murderers. They do not mystify me. They offend me to the very core of my humanity. Their actions, like those of honour killers who take their own daughter’s lives are barbaric and a total affront to humanity.

Dennis Carpenter, Toronto

Boston Marathon bombings: Suspects a long way from Russia’s troubled Caucasus, experts say, April 20

As a Muslim teenager, I strongly believe that this is no form of jihad. Jihad is the struggle to practice religion in the face of oppression. This could be shown in fighting your ego or standing up to an oppressor.

Jihad is not only misunderstood by the media, but by Muslims as well. Which explains all the evil actions done by such “Muslims.” This is why one should educate themselves on the actual definition of “jihad.” Islam is a religion of peace, not violence. We, Muslims, are not about “spreading Islam by the sword”, but by the word. My heart goes out to the many innocent victims and their families and loved ones.

Zeynep Agtas, Toronto

Boston bombings selective sympathy, Letters April 20.

Joaquim Cresswell of Mississauga claims to “honestly not understand the level of emotional reactions people have had toward the bombings at the Boston Marathon.” In particular he compares our shock and horror to the apparent lack of feelings expressed toward similar acts occurring “daily throughout many cities in the Middle East.”

More than once, Mr. Cresswell has answered his own question. Such acts do not happen on a daily basis in North America and more Canadians identify with Boston than they do with Damascus or Baghdad. In fact, I think I can safely say that most Canadians identify more with Americans than they do with any other nationality We share a continent, language, lifestyle, attitude and most important - a Spiritual Love of all that is good.

I live in a Border City which is tied emotionally and economically to Detroit, Michigan. Despite what many Canadians hear of the imminent demise of that great American metropolis, a recent series between the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays saw bus-loads of Canadians go to the Tiger’s sold-out downtown stadium. Similar bus-loads head for Red Wing games at their downtown arena and will continue to do so if Detroit succeeds in extending this hockey season.

But beyond sports and cross-border shopping, the ties that generate horror and shock toward terrible events in American cities is far deeper in our gut than perhaps most Canadians can comprehend. I think it’s best illustrated by my own daughter. More than 20 year’s ago she attended a festival with its iconic beer tent and rock ‘n roll band. There she danced with a young man from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was one of many Americans enjoying Canadian Beer and hospitality - so much so he kept returning.

My daughter graduated college in Ontario - moved to Fort Wayne - and found a job. Marriage quickly followed as did home ownership along with cats and dogs and finally two children - my and my wife’s grandchildren - our American grandchildren.

Our story is not unique. But it should show Mr. Cresswell while we silently grieve the atrocities in the Middle East, we are shocked and horrified by bombings in Boston. Geographically and emotionally, they hit much too close to our hearts.

Brian Penstone, Windsor

In his letter published April 20, Joaquim Cresswell complains that people express shock and sympathy for those affected by the Boston bombings, but “ignore” and “don’t express our sorrow” for similar tragedies in the Middle East. Like many people, he seems to adhere to a zero sum concept of compassion: if we commiserate with those who affected by disasters locally, it follows that we have no sympathy for those suffering further away; if we donate to charities working for the protection of animals, we are therefore indifferent to the welfare of abused children, or victims of disease, or the homeless, etc., etc.

Such is simply not so. Mr. Cresswell should be aware that a donor to a humane society, for example, may also donate to campaigns against diseases, the cause of AIDS orphans in Africa, the support of arts groups, and so on. Similarly, he should recognize that those of a compassionate nature feel sympathy for sufferers no matter where in the world. There are no limits on caring.

J.F. Hardacre, Milton

In bringing closure to the Boston marathon bombings that would see almost one million American citizens emerge from unprecedented lockdown, thanks is being credited to an extraordinary police dragnet. But more, it should be seen as the White House’s signature stamp at play that such acts of terrorism whether from home or abroad, would be dealt with decisively and without fail.

However, this time on a scale of the highest magnitude- perhaps in unparalleled security at home- as it would prove unabashedly-, the most advanced forensic technology perhaps ever before seen.

To some the scale of this extraordinary deployment of power and human resources may seem overshadowing less fruitful results in combatting global terrorism. But it came down to being one of America’s finest hours rarely revved up to such intensity and pitch of determination that not a grain of sand would be left un- sifted.

And this not only in preserving freedom for its citizens, but for putting on watch anyone on the globe to harbor second thoughts that would take away that precious freedom from Americans. To that end, the forceful White House response may reap welcome dividends in abetting terrorism at home and abroad- and nothing could be more than welcomed.

Claude McDonald, Kitchener

Stephen Harper behaves like a schoolyard bully and fully exploits his unrestricted access to social media outlets. During the Boston bombing tragedy Stephen Harper went out of his way to verbally sucker punching Justin Trudeau. When Mister Harper thinks his supremacy may be threatened he instinctively abuses his rivals with trash talk.

Perhaps Prime Minister Harper believes Canadians can be manipulated with negative personal attacks. Bullies do it all the time. Harper’s sycophantic cabinet ministers have adopted his divisive style of governing and exude the same ‘either-you-are-with-us-or-you-are-against-us’ attitude.

No wonder Justin Trudeau is popular, especially with young people. He may be passionately optimistic and politically untested but he personifies a refreshingly positive alternative. Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

Justin Trudeau’s political journey is just beginning. Hope will entice Canadians to walk beside him, inclusion will bind Canadians together and dedication will build an even greater Canada.

Lloyd Atkins, Vernon, B.C.

I heartily agree with the letter from Kevin Farmer in the April 22 Star. While I accept that the Boston bombing was serious business, I cannot understand why it became such a media event in Canada. Every day the press had at least three pages devoted to it, and it seemed an unnecessary amount of air time was allotted to it on TV and radio. Was it really important to have live coverage of every press conference and repeats every hour or at least until the next one?

Other stories, some with probably a more newsworthy impact, such as at least two major earthquakes, got only a causal mention. How many stories that had a potential of having a bigger impact on the people of Canada ended up on the cutting room floor? And how many others who like myself, got so fed up with the Boston saturation that they left their TVs and radios off and missed what little Canadian content there was?

While this event would always be big in Boston, in reality in the rest of the world, to paraphrase Shakespeare, it is much ado about very little.

Robert Drummond, Exeter

Heather Mallick makes a well-worn error by assuming that terrorism is somehow our fault. This is best known as the blowback hypothesis, after Chalmers Johnson’s book of the same name. Terrorism is a rational response to our bad behaviour, or so the story goes. Johnson was a great academic; his book was subtle and persuasive, but ultimately wrong.

Radical Islam fundamentally opposes our liberal democratic way of life, which they see (not without merit) as irreverent, decadent, and morally corrupt. The reasons are legion: emancipation of women, tolerance of a panoply of religions, sexual liberation, disrespectful children, free speech... you name it. This is essentially the argument of Sayyid Qutb, the Egyptian philosopher who visited America, and whose voluminous writings (and death as a ‘martyr’) did more than anyone to radicalize Islam. Some of Qutb’s themes re-appear in contemporary works such as Dinesh D’Souza’s The Enemy at Home, which illustrates how those freedoms so cherished by the political left are the very same things that enrage terrorists.

Unfortunately there is nothing Canada can do, or fail to do, that would remove us from the crosshairs of radical Islam, because appeasement does not work when dealing with irrational actors. Due to his experience with labour negotiations, Neville Chamberlain had come to believe that all powerful leaders were ultimately rational, and each had his price. But Hitler proved that assuming rationality is deadly.

Bending over backwards in the name of ‘tolerance’ has only sacrificed our freedoms, as Nigel Hannaford of the Calgary Herald explained in his think-tank report on Canada’s dysfunctional and radical-Islam-friendly human rights commissions. Further appeasement, self-loathing, or hand-wringing over ‘marginalization’ is utterly fruitless. Vigilance is a better and safer option. Thankfully, we are strong, and they are not.

Kevin Schenk, Toronto

Why?

On April 15, in Boston it was tragic. Two bombs went off at the finish line at the Boston Marathon. The runners must have been training for months just for the joy of finishing the race, but instead two bombs went off and lives were changed forever.

I ask myself, what’s the point of all of this? What were the bombers trying to prove? Why would they want to hurt people that they didn’t even know?

People all over the world came to participate or cheer someone on, and instead they got severely injured and three died.

How do you feel about the world now? It makes me feel insecure and scared because you never know what tomorrow brings. One day you can have the time of your life and the next day you can be gone. It’s a very sad thing to think about, but it’s life and it’s hard. Tragedies like this happen all over the world, but sadly there’s not much we can do to stop it.

Life is precious, so live it to the fullest because you never know.

J. Heller, A Grade 5 student, Toronto

Reddit apologizes for falsely accusing missing student, April 21

“We want to take this opportunity to apologize publicly for the pain they have had to endure.” I believe that an apology is not sufficient enough to make up for the humility and embarrassment which this family had to face. Being told that your son or your brother or your nephew or your cousin was involved in one of the biggest headlines of the year, is not something easy to cope with and handle. To reprimand someone of doing a certain action, and falsely accusing them of intelligence that you yourself are unaware of is morally and ethically wrong. However, a solution can be derived from all this. It should be clear and evident to everyone that this man is innocent-either through a public announcement, or a personal apology. An email or a letter personally apologizing, won’t help this man thrive and prosper in what he intends to do because he will be perceived by those around him as a “terrorist.” Indeed, everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

Zoha Syed, Toronto

My interpretation of the Qur’an is love your fellow man. Mohammed would be rolling in his grave, and Allah would help him turn should they witness the behaviours of these ‘radicals’ today.

Imams in Boston were quoted as saying “Please don’t let it be Muslims” immediately after the Boston attack. Can anyone name another religion practiced today that encourages murder in the name of its leader/philosophy? (DO NOT cite the crusades please - that was a money grab in the name of Christianity ... hundreds of years ago.)

Radical is the key word, true, but as Justin Trudeau so wisely questioned, from where does this philosophy spring?

Pro activity can be our salvation. Schools today spend valuable efforts curtailing bigotry in all its forms. Does this happen at home? When thousands of Muslims took to the streets worldwide to celebrate the success of 9/11, I felt that we were not dealing with a handful of ‘radicals’, but rather, mass support.

The increasing perpetration of the heinous killing of innocents (read infidels) come from men “clearly devout” indeed.

Ted Graper, Ajax

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